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Youth Assembly statement on the Glenview 28 judgment
Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T)
September 20, 2013

The Youth Assembly condemns the continued illegal detention of Last Tamai Maengahama, Yvonne Musarurwa and Cllr Tungamirai Madzokere on false accusation of murdering a police officer in Glenview more than two years ago.

This is just a desperate attempt to frustrate MDC members because they are of a different political affiliation from the regime.

Yesterday, 19 September 2013, Justice Chinembiri Bhunu acquitted 22 members out of 28 of the Glenview 29. We reiterate that they are all innocent but they are being persecuted for being MDC. They are political prisoners. We demand that the three who are in custody be released unconditionally. Their right to personal liberty has been clearly violated for long enough. Those who are out of custody should be removed from remand.

Zanu-PF has been using state institutions to persecute members of our party and this is unacceptable. This unprofessional conduct has clearly put the name of the Zimbabwean public institutions into disrepute, therefore we urge the authorities to at least do the right thing and maintain a bit of some dignity.

With tear filled eyes we welcome the acquittal of the rest of the accused persons including the Youth Assembly President Solomon Madzore who stayed in prison for 405 days. The Assembly encourages all democracy loving Zimbabweans and particularly the families of those who are still in custody to remain resolute. Meanwhile the MDC Youth Assembly welcomes President Tsvangirai’s announcement of the shadow cabinet which will give an alternative narrative to Zanu-PF policies.

We congratulate our Assembly President Solomon Madzore for making it to the appointments made by Dr Tsvangirai. President Tsvangirai also appointed former Assembly Chairpersons Nelson Chamisa and Tamsanqa Mahlangu in the shadow cabinet, this shows he is a leader who believes in young people.

The Assembly also joins the rest of the world in commemorating International Day of Peace, we had hoped to celebrate this in style by holding a march in the streets of Harare but the police have decided to deny us the opportunity.

We are taking up the matter with the courts and we hope justice will prevail and we will be granted our right to march.

This year’s theme is Education for peace. The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has this to say: "On this International Day of Peace, let us pledge to teach our children the value of tolerance and mutual respect. Let us invest in the schools and teachers that will build a fair and inclusive world that embraces diversity. Let us fight for peace and defend it with all our might."

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